How Natural Remedies for Menopause Can Help

Menopause is experienced by women around the age of 42 to 55 years. The average age of onset of menopause is about 50 years, and the transition can last for up to five years. Menopause is essentially the phase in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease to function, signifying the end of the reproductive years. Since menopause is a result of a decrease in the production of the female sex hormones, there is an ensuing hormone starvation in the body, which leads to myriad symptoms.

The decrease in the production of the female hormone, estrogen, can result in an increase in the risk of heart disease, vaginal problems and osteoporosis. The symptoms are, therefore, of a varying nature. Symptoms include hot flashes, backaches, bladder problems, insomnia, dizziness, mental instability, headaches, heart palpitations, dryness and aging of the skin, shortness of breath, irritability and disturbances in calcium metabolism.

The usual course of action for treatment has been hormone replacement therapy. This therapy has, however, received criticism after studies have linked it to increased risk of breast cancer, heart attacks, stroke and blot clots. This is why natural remedies for menopause have witnessed increasing adoption. Natural options are equally effective as well as safer. Natural remedies for menopause might, however, require certain dietary precautions and changes.

Five Natural Remedies for Menopause Natural remedies for menopause can be taken along with the usual synthetic hormone replacement therapy, and can even help reduce the course of strong medications. They are easily available and have proven to be extremely helpful.

1. Vitamins: Vitamin E is the most essential vitamin in this phase, and simply must be taken. It is commonly found in almonds, hazelnuts, spinach, mangoes and olives. Along with Vitamin E, Vitamin C and B complex must also be taken. Capillary strength is maintained with the intake of Vitamin C, along with bioflavonoids.
2. Calcium: Calcium is found in milk and milk products. It is one of the important natural remedies for menopause. Since the risk of osteoporosis increases, calcium intake is a must to maintain the calcium-phosphorous balance of the body.
3. Protein: Proteins are an important part of a menopausal woman’s diet. The intake of protein should be increased, with a concomitant decrease in carbohydrate intake.
4. Fruits and Vegetables: Raw food is one of the natural remedies for menopause that is often ignored but can prove to be extremely helpful. Juices, brewer’s yeast, kelp and cold pressed vegetables must be taken. Nearly 50% of the diet should be in the form of raw food.
5. Exercise: An effective way to deal with menopause, along with natural remedies for menopause, is exercise. One must exercise and get sufficient amount of rest along with it. This helps in dealing with the stress as well as the insomnia.

Apart from these natural remedies for menopause, there are certain things that should be avoided during this time. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar and spicy foods should be avoided completely. They can make the mood swings worse and hard to deal with. They also increase the acidity in the blood, which in turn results in increased calcium absorption. Increased calcium absorption can lead to a lack of calcium in the bones. Menopause sounds like a scary time for any woman, but with the right treatment and care, it can be a breeze.